Hi, I'm Tim and I'm an HVAC expert here to assist you with your questions. Thanks for the opportunity to help!

Tim H. :

Hello there

Tim H. :

I'm sorry you are having trouble with your furnace. This is an older furnace, correct?

Customer:

Yes

Tim H. :

It is electronic ignition. What ignition control does it have? Make and model?

Customer:

I am not around it right now

Tim H. :

Ok, that would be most helpful to know that as I may need to have you take some readings

Tim H. :

Are you around later tonight?

Customer:

My computer is stationary away from my friends house that I am working on. I have a Master Block with Gas but work on the construction side. I am some what fimiliar with the service side of old standing flame systems. That is how long ago I retired

Customer:

How can I send you the ignition box model and what readings do you need

Tim H. :

OK, typically when a electronic ignition keeps sparking it is because of a dirty flame sensor, dirty pilot flame or bad control which is why I really need the make and model of the control. I will not be able to find anything on this furnace anymore due to the age

Customer:

I can go over there and can you call me on that number in 15 minutes (XXX) XXX-XXXX

Tim H. :

Unfortunately, the website will not allow us to have personal contact by phone or email, but this chat will remain open if you want to come back later. It would be better if you were by the unit when we chat as I may have some specific questions

Customer:

My laptop is down I can return tomorrow... how do I get back to this chat

Tim H. :

Just bookmark the chat and come back to it when you can. We come and go on this website, so I may not respond immediately, but check my questions frequently

Tim H. :

What I need is the make and model number of the ignition control. Check and see if the pilot flame is strong and touching the end of the flame sensor.

Customer:

The flame is strong and reaching the replaced sensor well

Tim H. :

It will probably be either a Honeywell or Robertshaw ignition control

Customer:

Robert Shaw control

Tim H. :

It is also important to make sure you have a good ground to the burner area and that the burners are not extremely rusted, especially on the end where the flame comes out near the flame sensor

OK, that is a mercury flame sensor. Did you replace that part and if so, when?

Customer:

It was the first and only thing I have done

Customer:

yesterday

Tim H. :

OK, so if that part is new, then chances are it's the valve. These are VERY hard to find anymore. This is an old, obsolete system

Customer:

Can a person remove and replace the valve with a standing pilot system

Tim H. :

You could, I suppose. However, this should really be done by a pro. You could also convert it over to a flame sensor system, a more modern version of electronic ignition. But these "pilot modifications" as they are called are complicated and because you're working with gas, very important they are done by someone knowledgeable

thank you, XXXXX XXXXX I know it is the control I can go from there and the conversion reference looks great

Tim H. :

Yes, that would be the way I'd go if I was doing it.

Customer:

Thank you

Tim H. :

Yes, good luck! Thanks for using Just Answer and please don't forget to rate my service as that's how we get paid(thanks in advance for any bonus left). Feel free to post back with any additional questions.